Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively sabot-proof, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair strictly refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing steps to achieve a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial process of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. It ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any lacking data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, though a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are separated from hair at a concentration lower than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used to confirm any positive screening result. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shrewsbury, MA
Hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection period. Compared to standard urine tests, which are limited in their timeframe, hair tests provide a broader perspective on substance use. This method enables better detection accuracy and reliability for long-term drug use, making it a preferred choice for many institutions.
Extended Detection Window in Shrewsbury, MA
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage with a detection window of up to 90 days. This extensive period ensures that employers can assess a candidate or employee's substance habits thoroughly, providing valuable insights into their lifestyle and substance use history. It offers a comprehensive evaluation tool beyond the limitations of conventional tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shrewsbury, MA
Hair follicle testing reduces the risk of sample adulteration significantly. The methodology of sample collection and testing makes it extremely difficult for individuals to alter or tamper with their test outcome. This integrity leads to results that are both reliable and assured, freeing employers from concerns over test manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shrewsbury, MA
Our widespread network of testing centers provides unparalleled convenience for all testing needs. With easily accessible facilities throughout the nation, including in Shrewsbury, MA, individuals and businesses can enjoy hassle-free testing services that prioritize ease and quick access to necessary health assessments.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shrewsbury, MA
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results for hair follicle tests is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality. The discreet process ensures participant privacy, addresses confidentiality concerns, and guarantees secure handling of results while ensuring ease of use at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shrewsbury, MA
Employers can rely on competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times for test results. This ensures exceptional value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, enabling informed decision-making without undue financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shrewsbury, MA
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. Typically providing fast results, they offer high accuracy in detecting substance use. The hair follicle test’s ability to detect even small traces of substances ensures that the assessments are reliable and trustworthy, giving employers and individuals confidence in the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shrewsbury, MA
Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, enhancing the security and safety of the working environment. By implementing this testing method, employers can reduce legal risks, secure compliance with industry standards, and establish a reliable work setting that prioritizes safety and integrity.
